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Transportation

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About

Transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the County after buildings.
The Division of Fleet Management Services has a comprehensive Green Fleet Strategy that combines sound management, fleet rightsizing, alternative fuels, and innovative technology to achieve a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over 2014 levels by 2030 and a 20% reduction in petroleum consumption by 2020. Between FY2014 and FY2016, Green Fleet efforts have reduced petroleum consumption by 206,676 gallons (3.8%).

Innovation

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Technology and driver training improves performance, reduces miles traveled and minimizes idling time. The County analyzes vehicle operating data using telematics – a combination of GPS devices, mapping software, real-time vehicle data, and connected mobile devices to optimize routes in response to road conditions, minimize idling, and empower drivers to see important connections between driving choices and environmental impact.

Matching the best type of vehicle for each job maximizes fuel efficiency. From FY2014 to FY2016, the Division of Fleet Management Services reduced the fleet by 147 vehicles.

Telework and Employee Engagement

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The County encourages employees to use public transit, ride-sharing, bike commuting, and telework to reduce vehicle miles traveled and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Commuter benefits to employees include free Ride On bus use, reduced cost of membership for bikesharing, and subsidized public transit and van-pooling for eligible employees. More than 200 employees currently participate in a telework program that keeps cars off the road. Flexible work schedules also allow employees to work full time while eliminating several commuting days each month. Montgomery County also uses technology to reduce employee drive time for meetings and trainings. The County has partnered with Capital Bike Share to install more than 52 bikeshare stations near major facilities and urban areas, benefiting both employees and the public.

Electric Vehicles

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The County has 23 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for administrative use and 15 charging stations (most capable of charging two vehicles at a time) for fleet use at facilities across the County. The Department of Transportation has made electric vehicle charging available at County-owned public parking facilities in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. Currently, there are a total of 14 charging stations with the capacity to charge 28 vehicles at County-operated public parking facilities.
Maps are available to help you locate public EV charging stations.

Public Transportation

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Nearly a third of the County’s more than 300 Ride On buses are fueled by clean compressed natural gas. In September 2017, the County secured a $1.75 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase 4 electric buses and charging stations. The all-electric, zero-emission buses will run all day on a single charge. In addition, Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation encourages a combination of biking and public transit by installing bike racks on all Ride On buses. 83% of County parking garages have bike racks, providing the capacity to secure 168 bikes.

Smart Parking

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Montgomery County is using
new technology in some of our most popular public parking garages that can guide drivers to available spaces, saving driving time and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, nearly 2,000 solar powered
smart meters for on-street parking have been installed in Bethesda and Silver Spring. The County is further reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by replacing lighting in public garages and lots with energy efficient LED lights.

What You Can Do

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Did you know that you can get a
guaranteed ride home if you commute by public transit, carpooling, or bicycle at least twice a week? Also, eligible low-income County residents and employees can get a
free Capital Bikeshare membership. Employers can enourage employees to participate in the
Walk and Ride Challenge each fall, earning prizes while they start new healthy habits Learn more about other options and incentives for public transit, ridesharing, bikesharing, and electric vehicles by visiting
www.mygreenmontgomery.org.

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